Sexual Misconduct in Counseling and Ministry

Book excerpt: Sexual misconduct by ministers and other Christian professionals has reached epidemic proportions. One major church insurer has handled over 1,200 cases in the past eight years, many involving child sexual abuse, often with multiple victims. How should the church respond when Christian counselors cross sexual boundaries? What should be done when the healer wounds? What is the church's responsibility both to misbehaving professionals and to heir victims? Combining their extensive counseling experience and legal expertise, the authors of this volume offer a well-written, practical book loaded with the thorny issues of sexual exploitation by religious professionals. Here is tested wisdom that can help. o A recovery strategy for victims o Proactive ways to safeguard against improper sexual behavior o Screening and early intervention strategies o Restoring fallen ministers and church leaders o Dealing with homosexual misbehavior, seductive clients, recovered memories, and false allegations o Assessing legal consequences of your policies The wise counsel in this timely book can help us find remedies for a growing problem that threatens the Christian church.